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Here’s to You, Miss California

Most of us, by now, have heard the swirl of controversy surrounding Miss California – Carrie Prejean. As such, I won't recount the "controversy" here. Despite that Perez Hilton's question was a setup and really had no business in the pageant–and despite the fact that his subsequent and vulgar comments have left no doubt about his class or honesty–and despite the fact that Carrie Prejean is, as an American, entitled to certain rights–and despite the fact that I agree with her position on gay marriage–here's what I loved most about her comments…

They were spoken at her moment of truth. Let's remember…It was her chance to become Miss USA! This is no small thing. There were plenty of ways for her speak in hazy or spineless way that might have allowed her the crown. Or, she could say what her Christian convictions were…and risk losing it. She chose rightly.

It's a shame that she would be at risk for voicing her perspective, but our world is changing. Rarely these days does a Christian face that sort of public testing of their willingness to stand firm in what Scripture teaches about marriage–or any other subject. Rarely are Christians, in so public a fashion, forced to (on the spot) answer a question in such a way that they must choose between achieving their earthly dream or failing the test of Christian conviction…all of it in front of millions.

Say what you want about her perspective. Say what you want about beauty contestants. But, don't say Carrie Perjean is a coward. She did what many Christians, frankly, couldn't do: She chose one crown over another when really put to the test, and she made the right choice.

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Dr. Tim Spivey is Lead Planter of New Vintage Church in San Diego, California. He is the author of numerous articles and one book, "Jesus: The Powerful Servant." A sought after speaker for events, Tim also serves as Adjunct Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University. Tim serves as a church consultant, and his writings are featured on ChurchLeaders.com, Church Executive magazine, Faith Village, Sermon Central, and Giving Rocket.

7 thoughts on “Here’s to You, Miss California”

I believe gays should be allowed to be married. The government should not dictate who can and can’t be married. Legal marriage should not be held in the same category as religious marriage – Gay or Straight. They should be two SEPERATE things. Gays should be allowed to go to City Hall and get a marriage license and have a celebration of their marriage. None of that is religious at all. Equal rights should be given to ALL citizens who pay taxes and abide by law.
That said, I think Miss California was not wrong in voicing her opinion. She has every right to answer the question the way she wants without fear of losing the crown because us whacky liberals don’t like her answer.
Perez Hilton (though, I admit, he IS one of my secret dirty pleasures) is, like a poster before me said, a JOKE. He acted immaturely, but what can you expect from someone who is payed to act immaturely?
All I know is, though he is gay, he is one of the worst possible people to be leading a “gay movement”. His ideas are wrong and his approach is worse.
It’s late. I’m rambling. There’s no point to anything I’m saying anymore. So I leave here. 🙂
Thoughts?

I have to agree that Miss Prejean acted with great courage. The question was a trap, just like every other question in the competition. Miss USA questions, much like Presidential Debate questions, are designed to be sidestepped, demonstrating verbal agility, not conviction.
While I disagree with Miss California on the issue of gay marriage, she did the right thing. She accurately reflects the beliefs of slightly more than half of the California electorate, and in dodging the question she would have tacitly disavowed those beliefs. She spoke the truth and allowed herself to be judged.
The public scrutiny of Miss Prejean, as well as the scrutiny of judges is also proper. She knew her statements would deeply offend many people, as evidenced by her ineffective disclaimer, “no offense.” Without the realization that many people would be rightfully offended, that it might cost the crown, and that there would be public outcry, her statements would not have been courageous but ignorant of the beliefs of others.
The issues of homosexuality and marriage rights are not going away, and it is important that courageous Christians like Miss Prejean, from both sides of the aisle, are involved in an intelligent and loving discussion to ensure that we do not lose touch with the Truth of Christ’s love in brawling arguments and anger with the likes of Perez Hilton.

I’d just like to add that I am proud that this young woman represents California. One might expect this from a contestant from a Southern state, but I feel that people across the nation often associate California with people like Perez, rather than people like Carrie. The truth is, according to our most recent trip to the polls, that the majority of Californians still agree with Miss Prejean. She represents the voice of a Calfornia that too often goes unheard. The grace and maturity with which she handled herself is admirable, and she has earned my deep respect.

Carrie Prejean is RIGHT!
Perez Hilton is A JOKE!
#1 – Carrie is FULLY allowed by law to have personal views and she did NOT force her views on anyone or say anything derogatory about gays or gay marriage, she just said it’s not the way she sees marriage and thats 100% FINE.
#2 – Perez Hilton on the other hand DESCRIMINATED againt Carrie because he didn’t like her beliefs. He FORCED his beliefs on her, and now everyone else via his tirades, and that is NOT acceptable regardless of what the beliefs are.
#3 – Perez Hilton HAS BROKEN THE LAW by admittedly discriminating against Carrie and denying her the crown because he’s gay and she didn’t say what he wanted her to in support of that.
#4 – Why on EARTH would the pageant have had Perez Hilton, a man INCAPABLE of NOT causing BS, be a host in the first place?? He makes a living by talking trash and making fun of people!!
Perez not only broke the law, he’s turned the pageant into a farce at the same time.

I couldn’t agree more. There is a double standard when it comes to freedom of speech in America. Its okay to state your opinion as long as it is agreeable to others. Actually, that only applies to Christians, because I’m pretty sure Howard Stern is still allowed to say whatever he wants.
Any thoughts on HR 1913?

I think she realized what her answer would do to her chances and I like to think that if she got the question again, she would answer the same way.
I think it shows strength and conviction to not “sell out” to win a pageant.